The 9th Annual Celebration of HOPE Walk will be held on Sept. 10, 2022 in Seaside Heights!

The annual walk, hosted by HOPE Sheds Light, provides hope and support to families at the Jersey Shore that are impacted by substance use disorder.

This year's HOPE Walk will be held on Sept. 10.

This year’s HOPE Walk will be held on Sept. 10.

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J.Aug. 29, 2022PRLog — Mark your calendars! HOPE Sheds Light, Inc. (HSL) will host its 9th Annual Celebration of HOPE Walk at the Seaside Heights Boardwalk on Saturday, September 10, 2022! At the Celebration of HOPE Walk, the community can come together to learn about substance use disorder, celebrate recovery and provide hope to those affected. This year’s major sponsors include Grunin Foundation, Woodhaven, Ralph Clayton & Sons, The Earle Family Foundation, The Citta Foundation, Inc. and Spirits Unlimited LLC.

“Those impacted by substance use disorder typically don’t know where to turn for help,” said Pamela Capaci, CEO of HOPE Sheds Light, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating families on the disease of substance use disorder. “Our walk offers them a community of support.”

Now in its ninth year, walk participants can create teams online by visiting hopeshedslight.org/walk. “Each team is encouraged to have at least four members and to set a fundraising goal to participate in our walk challenge,” said Capaci. “The team that raises the most funds for HOPE Sheds Light will be recognized at the event and prizes will be given to the top three fundraising teams.”

Since its inception, the two-mile walk has grown each year in size and awareness. In previous

years, nearly 2,000 participants joined HOPE Sheds Light in spreading their message of recovery at the Celebration of HOPE Walk. “It is just so powerful to see our community come together to provide hope for those suffering from this epidemic,” said Capaci.

HSL will offer resources at the walk for family members and friends of those dealing with addiction and substance misuse. The event will also highlight inspirational speakers, a Tree of HOPE to remember those who were lost, onsite vendors, face painting for the kids, music, a 50/50 raffle and more.

“It’s a celebration of recovery,” said Capaci. “We’re always hearing about the negatives of the disease. But by bringing hope and education to the community, we support each other and those affected. We show that recovery is possible.”

Walk registration starts at 8 a.m. on September 10th on the Hiering Avenue beach in Seaside Heights. A registration fee of $10 is required to participate (includes a free t-shirt). To learn more or register, visit http://www.HOPEShedsLight.org/walk.

About HOPE Sheds Light, Inc.

HOPE Sheds Light, Inc. is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 46-3910504) that is supported by friends and families directly affected by substance use disorder and found recovery through continuous love, support and understanding. The mission of HSL is to raise awareness and educate individuals, families and the community about the impact of substance use disorder by having the courage to share personal experiences and offer strength, wisdom, hope and resources that lead to positive community change and long-term recovery. To learn more or to donate, please visit http://www.HOPEShedsLight.org.

Hong Kong – Celebration events to mark 25th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR

Celebration events to mark 25th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR

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     ​The sixth-term Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and senior government officials will attend a flag-raising ceremony tomorrow (July 1) to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

      

     The flag-raising ceremony will be held at Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai at 8am. The Police Band will perform at the ceremony and two singers, Mr Chen Yong and Ms Phoebe Tam, will sing the national anthem, followed by a fly-past and a sea parade by the disciplined services.

 

     Following the flag-raising ceremony, the Celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s Return to the Motherland and the Inaugural Ceremony of the Sixth-term Government of the HKSAR will be held at the Grand Hall on Level 3 of the HKCEC.

 

     People are reminded that no public viewing area will be set up for the flag-raising ceremony on July 1. Golden Bauhinia Square and the nearby area will be designated as a restricted zone by the Police. Only holders of valid passes will be allowed entry.

Hong Kong – Celebration activities of 70th anniversary of Civil Aid Service launched (with photos)

Celebration activities of 70th anniversary of Civil Aid Service launched (with photos)

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     ​To celebrate its 70th anniversary, the Civil Aid Service (CAS) today (January 2) held the “CAS 70th Anniversary Celebration Events Kick-off Ceremony” at the Yuen Tun Camp which was officiated by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr John Lee.

     

     Officiating at the Kick-off Ceremony and at the unveiling ceremony of the Unity Garden today, Mr Lee said that since the CAS’ establishment in 1952, it has marked its 70th anniversary and has been upholding the pledge of “Provide Emergency Relief, Serve the Community”. It has also been relentlessly providing diverse services for government departments, as well as joining hands with society in conquering various challenges and overcoming different obstacles.



     He noted that the CAS has undertaken numerous missions in the history of Hong Kong. Examples include the major duties in civil defense and clearance of sites of accidents back in the 1950s and 1960s, and management of Vietnamese boat people centres for 25 years starting from the 1970s. Since Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland, the CAS has kept its mission to serve the public in mind. Examples include the management of isolation camps during the outbreak of the SARS in 2003, the deployment of officers to assist the Hong Kong residents in Phuket, Thailand during the tsunami in South Asia in 2004, the search operations for hikers stranded in Tai Mo Shan owing to icy road surface in 2016, and the search and rescue missions and relief work conducted without hesitation in the wake of super typhoon Mangkhut in 2018. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, the CAS has exerted extraordinary efforts in the anti-epidemic work including being assigned to manage multiple quarantine centres. The CAS has been performing its duties round the clock, mobilising more than 170 000 man-time of personnel. It has received nearly 60 000 confinees subject to quarantine. Mr Lee recognised the numerous anti-epidemic contributions made by the CAS in these two years, saying that the CAS members have shown meticulous care and spared no effort to cater for the different dietary and daily needs of the confinees, which is acclaimed by different sectors of society. He recognised the contributions made by the CAS in this regard.



     Mr Lee also mentioned that youth development is also a pivotal work of the CAS. The CAS Cadet Corps, which was founded more than 50 years ago, is a youth uniformed group well supported in Hong Kong. Currently there are nearly 4 000 cadets receiving training. In recent years, the CAS has strengthened the national education among youths and cultivated the care for society and the spirit of loving the country and Hong Kong among the Cadet Corps. The CAS has implemented the School Partnership Scheme, in which discipline and leadership training are provided for junior secondary school students with a view to helping them build confidence and sense of responsibility. The Youth Potential Development Scheme, on the other hand, is promoted to people of diverse races and aims at recruiting youths of diverse races into the CAS. He commended the CAS for promoting youth development and racial inclusion. In recent years, the CAS has been increasing its services and improving its quality of service. To meet the developments and needs in society, the CAS has rolled out different reforms, including the effective promotion of national security education. He supported the CAS to make strides and to strive for excellence.



     In celebration of its 70th anniversary, the CAS has built the Unity Garden in Yuen Tun Camp to highlight the unity within the CAS and to demonstrate the CAS’ determination to stand united and strive together with different sectors of society with the goal of serving the public. In addition, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland, the CAS will hold activities including a New Year Hiking cum CAS 70th Anniversary Yuen Tun Camp Open Day, Mountaineering Safety Promotion Campaign and a Grand Parade.



     The chairman of the CAS 70th Anniversary Celebration Events Steering Committee, Mr Wilfred Lam, said that the 70th anniversary of the CAS marked one of the important milestones and that the CAS should look to the future as well as the past. The CAS will continue to spare no effort in the future, showing constant dedication to serving the public and being poised to accept new challenges, with a view to making more contribution to the sustained development, prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.



     On the same day, Mr Lee inspected an educational and social inclusion event namely the “CAS Inclusion Challenge Camp”, which was held at the Yuen Tun Camp. The event included activities such as zip wire, casualty evacuation simulation, youth challenge activities and pioneering, attracting more than 100 youths from diverse races and backgrounds. They gained a better knowledge of relief work and learned about each other’s background, thereby helping build a harmonious and inclusive society.

It’s back! The 8th Annual Celebration of HOPE Walk will be held IN-PERSON on Sept. 11

The annual walk in Seaside Heights, hosted by HOPE Sheds Light and RAFTS, will provide hope and support to families at the Jersey Shore that are impacted by substance use disorder.

Celebration of HOPE Walk will be held in-person.

Celebration of HOPE Walk will be held in-person.

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J.July 8, 2021PRLog — Mark your calendars! HOPE Sheds Light, Inc. (HSL) and Recovery Advocates for the Shore, Inc. (RAFTS) will host their 8th Annual Celebration of HOPE Walk IN-PERSON at the Seaside Heights Boardwalk on Saturday, September 11, 2021! At the Celebration of HOPE Walk, the community can come together to learn about substance use disorder, celebrate recovery and provide hope to those affected. “Those impacted by substance use disorder typically don’t know where to turn for help,” said Pamela Capaci, CEO of HOPE Sheds Light, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating families on the disease of substance use disorder. “Our walk offers them a community of support.”

Now in its eighth year, walk participants can create teams online by visiting hopeshedslight.org/walk. “Each team is encouraged to have at least four members and to set a fundraising goal to participate in our walk challenge,” said Capaci. “The team that raises the most funds for HOPE Sheds Light will be recognized at the event and prizes will be given to the top three fundraising teams.”

Since its inception, the two-mile walk has grown each year in size and awareness. In previous

years, nearly 2,000 participants joined HOPE Sheds Light in spreading their message of recovery at the Celebration of HOPE Walk. “It is just so powerful to see our community come together to provide hope for those suffering from this epidemic,” said Capaci.

Earlier this year, to expand its services, capacity and reach even further in the state, HSL announced its partnership with RAFTS. Similar to HSL, RAFTS Inc. is a non-profit, non-clinical, peer-based recovery community organization providing support and resources to individuals and families impacted by substance use and related disorders. RAFTS is based in Monmouth County.

Together, HSL and RAFTS will offer resources at the walk for family members and friends of those dealing with addiction and substance misuse. The event will also highlight inspirational speakers, a Tree of HOPE to remember those who were lost, onsite vendors, face painting for the kids, music, a 50/50 raffle and more. “It’s a celebration of recovery,” said Capaci. “We’re always hearing about the negatives of the disease. But by bringing hope and education to the community, we support each other and those affected. We show that recovery is possible.”

Walk registration starts at 8 a.m. on September 11th on the Hiering Avenue beach in Seaside Heights. A registration fee of $10 is required to participate (includes a free t-shirt). To learn more or register, visit HOPEShedsLight.org/walk. “The message our founders wish to share with you is that help is nearby, and families can recover together,” Capaci said. “Come down and walk with us. Hope is here for you.”

About HOPE Sheds Light, Inc.

HOPE Sheds Light, Inc. is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 46-3910504) that is supported by friends and families directly affected by substance use disorder and found recovery through continuous love, support and understanding. The mission of HSL is to raise awareness and educate individuals, families and the community about the impact of substance use disorder by having the courage to share personal experiences and offer strength, wisdom, hope and resources that lead to positive community change and long-term recovery. To learn more or to donate, please visit http://www.HOPEShedsLight.org.

About Recovery Advocates for the Shore

Recovery Advocates for the Shore, Inc. (RAFTS) is a non-profit, non-clinical, peer-based recovery community organization providing support and resources to individuals and families impacted by substance use and related disorders. To learn more, visit https://www.raftsnj.org/.

Hong Kong – CE to attend celebration activities of 100th anniversary of founding of Communist Party of China in Beijing

CE to attend celebration activities of 100th anniversary of founding of Communist Party of China in Beijing

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     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, has accepted the invitation to visit Beijing tomorrow (June 28) to attend the celebration activities of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Other participants of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government include the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; and the heads of a number of disciplined services departments/agency. 
      
     Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong on July 1. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr John Lee, will be the Acting Chief Executive and the Executive Council will be in recess on June 29.